Liu Yuning, Song Weilong Make the List! Top 9 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes, No. 1 Is Him: Disastrous Looks and Acting, Awkward Crying Scenes Break Immersion

Many Chinese drama actors are hailed as 'god-tier男神' in modern dramas thanks to their tall stature and refined facial features. However, when switching to ancient costumes and hairstyles, they often lose their charm due to a lack of 'bone structure beauty' or poorly suited styling, instantly becoming the subject of online discussions as 'ancient costume disasters.'

Based on online voting and discussions across Chinese platforms, netizens have compiled a list of nine male actors who are considered 'stunning in modern wear but unbearable in ancient costumes.'

From modern heartthrobs to ancient costume flops! Netizens rank 9 actors 'unsuitable for ancient costumes.'

Top 9 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | No. 9: Hu Yitian, 'My Fair Lady,' 'Xi Hua Zhi'

Hu Yitian rose to fame through his role as Jiang Chen in the hit drama 'A Love So Beautiful.' In modern dramas, his long legs and sharp suits captivate audiences. However, in 'Xi Hua Zhi' and earlier in 'The Proud Twins,' his long face combined with a forehead-baring hairstyle and two sideburns was criticized by netizens for diminishing his original handsomeness. That said, Hu Yitian's recent idol drama 'My Fair Lady,' co-starring Tian Xiwai, where both play high school students in uniforms, has sparked discussions about their age appropriateness.

Hu Yitian as Gu Yanxi in 'Xi Hua Zhi.' (Image: Sina Weibo)

Top 8 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Li Xian, 'Dear, Cherish,' 'Guo Se Fang Hua'

Li Xian gained popularity as the 'national boyfriend' through 'Dear, Cherish' and 'Meet Yourself.' However, in 'Sword Dynasty,' his 'air bangs' hairstyle meant to emphasize youthfulness was criticized for stripping him of his pretty-boy aura. Recently, however, in the Tang Dynasty-set drama 'Guo Se Fang Hua,' co-starring Yang Zi, Li Xian plays the male lead Jiang Changyang, a powerful court insider and flower-and-bird envoy. The drama has received widespread acclaim, and his reputation has rebounded.

Yang Zi and Li Xian in 'Guo Se Fang Hua' (Image: IMDb)

Top 7 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Zhang Han, 'Young Sherlock,' 'Light Shadow Lead'

Zhang Han's breakout hits have all been modern dramas. In 'Red Shadow Legend of Shan Hai Jing' and 'Young Sherlock,' his puffy eyes and tight hairstyles were criticized for lacking ancient charm. In 2024, Zhang Han and Zhu Xudan starred in the drama 'Light Shadow Lead.' Zhang Han played Jun Beiyue, the God of War of Tianming, and was criticized by netizens for 'looking at least ten years older than his actual age, completely lacking the charisma of a domineering CEO.'

Top 6 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Jing Boran

Jing Boran, with his single-lidded eyes and narrow face, rarely takes on ancient costume roles. However, in 'Gentleman's Alliance,' he showcased a warm and gentle aura, compensating for styling shortcomings with overall atmosphere.

Top 5 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Song Weilong, 'The Princess Weiyoung,' 'Wild Dog Bone'

Song Weilong is considered one of the most 'boyfriend-like' actors among post-95s. 'My Little Happiness' and 'Go Ahead' are among his classic works. With deep-set features and a strong advantage in modern styling, from 'The Princess Weiyoung,' 'Pretty Student,' to 'Gentleman's Alliance' (originally 'Zhang Gong An'), his face often appears elongated with forehead-baring hairstyles, making him highly dependent on skilled stylists. Still, his performances and storylines remain well-received. His recent drama 'Wild Dog Bone,' co-starring Zhang Jingyi, is currently trending and sparking audience discussions.

Song Weilong in 'Qian Xiang' (Image: Sina Weibo)

Top 4 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Zhang Ruoyun, 'Joy of Life,' 'Snow Storm Sword'

Zhang Ruoyun faced criticism for his blue-eye makeup in 'Novoland: The Castle in the Sky' and was debated for his looks in the early episodes of 'Joy of Life.' However, he ultimately won audiences over with compelling storytelling and strong acting, creating a 'character filter.' He later received high praise in major productions like 'Snow Storm Sword' and 'A Great Ming Under the Microscope.'

Zhang Ruoyun and Li Qin in 'Joy of Life Season 2' (Image: Sina Weibo)

Top 3 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | William Chan, 'The Empress of China,' 'White-Haired Princess'

From 'The Empress of China' to 'White-Haired Princess,' William Chan's long face and chin become even more pronounced with slicked-back hairstyles. Due to his deep, mixed-heritage features, his ancient costumes always spark heated and polarized reactions. He has repeatedly been listed by netizens as a representative of actors unsuitable for ancient roles.

'The Empress of China' (Image: IMDb official website)

Top 2 Chinese Drama Actors Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Liu Yuning, 'The Long Ballad,' 'Zhe Yao'

Liu Yuning played Haodu in 'The Long Ballad,' and his assassin look was praised. His on-screen chemistry with Zhao Lusi drew massive attention. However, in later dramas like 'Zichuan,' his braided hairstyles and makeup were criticized for highlighting his narrow eyes, making him a 'highly styling-dependent' type, labeled as an 'ancient costume ugly man.' After starring in the 2024 ancient drama 'Pearl Curtain Jade Screen,' Liu Yuning's 2025 drama 'Zhe Yao,' co-starring Song Zuer, became an instant hit upon release. Standing at 189 cm, he effortlessly carries loose, fitted, and avant-garde costumes, successfully shedding the 'ancient costume ugly' label.

Liu Yuning in 'Zhe Yao' (Image: Sina Weibo)

Top 1 Chinese Drama Actor Most Unsuitable for Ancient Costumes | Jin Han, 'Jun Jiuling,' 'Tonight, We'll Meet'

Jin Han has a sharply defined facial structure and a tough-guy aura. In dramas like 'The Princess Weiyoung,' 'Cranes Cry in the Court,' 'Jun Jiuling,' 'Princess Agents,' and 'Tonight, We'll Meet,' slicked-back hairstyles often emphasize his prominent cheekbones, making it difficult to convey the soft elegance expected in ancient costumes.

Netizen comments include: 'Jin Han in 'Jun Jiuling' is actually a good actor,' 'Jin Han plays villains so despicably you want to punch him, but as a hero, he seems righteous,' 'The hairstyle is too stiff. If it were more flowing, he'd look better. The clothing cuts also don't seem to fit well. Still, 'Jun Jiuling' is a good drama—I'll keep watching,' 'At least he's recognizable, unlike those soft pretty boys,' 'Jin Han is actually quite handsome—do all male leads have to look the same?' 'His acting is oily and over-the-top, making viewers break immersion,' 'He's unsuitable for ancient costumes—okay as a villain, but not as a lead,' 'I don't think Jin Han is ugly—his looks in 'Cranes Cry in the Court' and 'Tonight, We'll Meet' were fine,' 'His posture in ancient costumes is awkward,' 'I can't handle Jin Han's crying scenes—they're too fake, like he's spitting while sobbing,' 'I hope Jin Han never has crying scenes again—they're unbearable.'

Jin Han in 'Jun Jiuling' (Image: Sina Weibo)

Full discussion: 'Jun Jiuling' — Live Reactions